2011 Map of Flat Top Butte SW

About this map

Tenmile Creek and Flat Creek define the drainage patterns of this Prairie County landscape, reflecting the essential water management required for ranching and agriculture in eastern Montana. The map reveals a series of localized water infrastructure projects, most notably the Beardsley Number 1 Dam and Beardsley Number 7 Dam, which suggest the historical importance of controlling seasonal runoff. Further south, Coal Creek is managed by the Coal Creek Dam Number 1, while the northern reaches are serviced by Olson Dam. These features illustrate a rural Montana economy deeply tied to its hydrology, where small-scale dams were vital for livestock and sustainable land use in an arid environment.